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Looking for a few answers
by CAVMSG, Dec 10, 2008 11:51PM
Hello,
A little about myself, about 3 years ago I returned from Iraq, I started having problems dealing with the real world back here in the states, my job was overwhelming me, difficulties with my family, cognition problems etc.......... I ended up being diagnosed with PTSD and started counseling, during the past 3 years I have been having a lot of joint pain some was due to injuries knee (subsequently had acl/ partial meniscus, bunionectomy w/resection, I have been to the doctor more in the past two years explaining different pains, continuing pain in my knees, shoulder, elbows, wrists, c-spine, as well as my low back (low back microdiscectomy previously). Again during this two years I was having many difficulties with my sleep, the nighmares and insomnia I chalked up to PTSD, however when I finaly did sleep I would wake up still exhausted and underwent sleep study and was diagnosed with OSA and prescribed CPAP. Just recently I had some labs done and came back that my Free Testorone was very low and put on Androgel to increase which has not seemed to help my energy levels but has helped with a problem with erectile disfunction and lack of sex drive that I have been dealing with for some time. My doctor (god bless her) ran some more in depth tests when my energy level did not improve and came back low FSH/ positive for recent epstien barr/ and positive ANA 1:160 titer nucloelar pattern, however negative for RA. I have read a considerable amount on Lupus in the recent weeks and understand that this does not represent definitive for Lupus. Here are is what I have been diagnosed with since my return from Iraq, I am just having a difficult time chalking it all up to just coming down with these issues without some bottom line disease or condition. Doctor has ordered still more blood tests (11 more vials adding to the 19 taken previously (may need a transfusion it this continues....LOL)) Waiting on results, forgot to ask what she was checking for this time other than just digging further into the Lupus and RA, C protiens maybe?
By the way my mother has SLE and is in final stage renal failure, my sister and Grandmother (moms side) has RA, I have read that there is not conslusive evidence that links genetics, just looking for anyones feedback.
PTSD(Meds, prazosin, clonazempam, effexor)
Cognative disorder NOS
Constant Joint pain (not just parts that were due to injury)
Tendonitis (confirmed with MRI)
Radiculpathy C5/C6 (however MRI does not suggest that disruption is coming from C-Spine)
Periferial Neuropathy (this not diagnosed during nerve conduction however exhibit finger numbness)
Vision change (still normal 20/15 in both eyes, however prescribed corrective lenses for blurred vision)
High cholesterol (meds)
Erectile disfunction (chalking this up to low testosterone, improving with Androgel)
Benign Prostacic Hyperplasia (Med Uroxitrol)
Insomnia
Low Energy
Sorry for dragging this on forever, I am sure you are asking is there a question in the near future. My question has anyone experienced symptoms such as these that all started within a two year period, to me it just seems to odd that they are stand alone problems. Other than that I guess I do not have many questions, guess I just needed to get it all off my chest.
Thanks for hearing me out
A little about myself, about 3 years ago I returned from Iraq, I started having problems dealing with the real world back here in the states, my job was overwhelming me, difficulties with my family, cognition problems etc.......... I ended up being diagnosed with PTSD and started counseling, during the past 3 years I have been having a lot of joint pain some was due to injuries knee (subsequently had acl/ partial meniscus, bunionectomy w/resection, I have been to the doctor more in the past two years explaining different pains, continuing pain in my knees, shoulder, elbows, wrists, c-spine, as well as my low back (low back microdiscectomy previously). Again during this two years I was having many difficulties with my sleep, the nighmares and insomnia I chalked up to PTSD, however when I finaly did sleep I would wake up still exhausted and underwent sleep study and was diagnosed with OSA and prescribed CPAP. Just recently I had some labs done and came back that my Free Testorone was very low and put on Androgel to increase which has not seemed to help my energy levels but has helped with a problem with erectile disfunction and lack of sex drive that I have been dealing with for some time. My doctor (god bless her) ran some more in depth tests when my energy level did not improve and came back low FSH/ positive for recent epstien barr/ and positive ANA 1:160 titer nucloelar pattern, however negative for RA. I have read a considerable amount on Lupus in the recent weeks and understand that this does not represent definitive for Lupus. Here are is what I have been diagnosed with since my return from Iraq, I am just having a difficult time chalking it all up to just coming down with these issues without some bottom line disease or condition. Doctor has ordered still more blood tests (11 more vials adding to the 19 taken previously (may need a transfusion it this continues....LOL)) Waiting on results, forgot to ask what she was checking for this time other than just digging further into the Lupus and RA, C protiens maybe?
By the way my mother has SLE and is in final stage renal failure, my sister and Grandmother (moms side) has RA, I have read that there is not conslusive evidence that links genetics, just looking for anyones feedback.
PTSD(Meds, prazosin, clonazempam, effexor)
Cognative disorder NOS
Constant Joint pain (not just parts that were due to injury)
Tendonitis (confirmed with MRI)
Radiculpathy C5/C6 (however MRI does not suggest that disruption is coming from C-Spine)
Periferial Neuropathy (this not diagnosed during nerve conduction however exhibit finger numbness)
Vision change (still normal 20/15 in both eyes, however prescribed corrective lenses for blurred vision)
High cholesterol (meds)
Erectile disfunction (chalking this up to low testosterone, improving with Androgel)
Benign Prostacic Hyperplasia (Med Uroxitrol)
Insomnia
Low Energy
Sorry for dragging this on forever, I am sure you are asking is there a question in the near future. My question has anyone experienced symptoms such as these that all started within a two year period, to me it just seems to odd that they are stand alone problems. Other than that I guess I do not have many questions, guess I just needed to get it all off my chest.
Thanks for hearing me out
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At minimum it sounds like you're connected with good medical care so kudo's to you!
I hope you got your SC rating already! Hang on to it... you've Earned It.
I don't know if your questions have been answered here yet, or not.
I've always found most people here to be really helpful here, and though I do have DLE (discoid lupus) there are many others here better informed than I, for what it's worth. I certainly hope you find all the support and answers you need!
I get updates from Military.com & IAVA.org every week ~ they're making connections with chemical exposures in Iraq now too, so that may be a concern for you also?
You're dialed in with your diagnosis, and I hope with your treatments also; it sounds like you are.
I've got to do some re-searching for my fatigue and sweats related to my lupus too ~
just wanted to check in and send my regards.
Thank you so much for your service and your sacrifices ~
Peace & Respect ~ LZ